Richard “POP” Garcia was born in Long Beach, California to Lucy and Aquilino Garcia.  At the age of eight, Richard’s father passed away and his mother remarried to Ramon Macias.  Ramon and Lucy raised Richard and his siblings in Southern California.  As a child Richard worked very hard, he ran cross-country for his high school and enjoyed being a little mischievous at times. Richard joined the U.S. Army in 1957 where he was a member of the 101’st Airborne Division.  He was very proud of this time in his life.  In 1968 Richard met Maria “Lupita” Mendivil.  Richard and Lupita were married August 23, 1969.  They made their home in Southern California where Richard worked in construction.  Richard and Lupita welcomed three children into the family, Yvonne, Irene and Richard.  In 1979 the family moved to Turlock.  In 1992, Richard and Lupita saw an opportunity to become restaurant owners.  They purchased the very popular Angelini’s Italian Restaurant.  Richard loved visiting with patrons and forming everlasting relationships with them.  He was often referred to as “Mr. Angelini.”  Richard was a loving husband and wonderful man who lived life to the fullest.  He was loyal and committed to his family.  Richard brought so much joy and smiles to everyone that knew him from his larger than life personality and his incredible sense of humor.  Richard’s greatest love was his six grandchildren.  He took great pleasure in spoiling and over-indulging them.  They were his heart and soul.  Their love gave him the strength and will to fight in his final months.  The memory of Richard will live on forever in them and all of those who loved him.  He was a beautiful man who will live on forever young.  Richard is survived by his wife, Lupita Garcia, children Yvonne Garcia, Irene (Eli) Lanigan, Richard (Chris) Garcia, grandchildren, Richard, Michael, Abigail, Camryn, Linsey and Emily, siblings Johnny and Ana and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Saturday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. The recitation of the rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m., also at Turlock Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1200 Lyons Ave., Turlock, Monday, July 1 at 11:00 a.m. Interment services to be determined- please contact Turlock Funeral Home for more information (209) 632-9111